Design and Optimization of Powertrain Using Hybrid Planetary Gearbox for Formula Student Vehicle

Race cars are known for their brilliant acceleration as well as cornering performance. This requires optimization of each and every component of the car to shed every ounce of extra weight while maximizing the performance. This paper focuses on optimization of the powertrain of a Formula Student electric vehicle. The electric vehicle in question is a Formula style rear-wheel driven electric single person race car. The rear wheel drive is achieved with separate motors for each wheel controlled by electronic differential. Extensive research has been done in the area of gear design and several standards have been set. This paper follows the AGMA 2001-D04 standard as given in Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design [4]. A planetary gearbox was developed for a Formula Student vehicle with permanent magnet DC motor by Bakshi[2] et al. This paper tries to optimize the planetary gearbox and considers other suitable designs.